During Honda’s global business briefing in Japan, Acura unveiled a next-generation Hybrid SUV Prototype, offering a preview of one of the 15 new Acura and Honda hybrid models slated for global launch by 2030, with a primary focus on the North American market.
“Honda will reallocate more development and production resources into hybrid models to accelerate the market launch ahead of the original schedule and increase the number of compelling products,” said Toshihiro Mibe, global CEO of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. “We have made steady progress in the development of hybrid vehicle technologies, where Honda has strengths, based on our belief that hybrid models will continue to be the key to addressing environmental challenges.”
Acura will begin launching its first hybrid models featuring the company’s all-new hybrid system and next-generation platform starting in the next two years. The next generation of the company’s award winning two-motor hybrid system has been improved through advancements such as expanding the range where the engine operates most efficiently and an increase in the driving efficiency of the hybrid unit. In total, Honda will strive to improve the fuel economy of the next-generation hybrid models by more than 10%, while reducing system costs by 30% and further advancing a unique Honda driving experience. In addition, a newly developed electric AWD unit will allow highly precise and responsive motor control.
Honda also provided an update on the development of the company’s next-generation ADAS (advanced driver assistance system), which is planned for introduction starting in 2028. The advanced system will assist the driver with vehicle operations such as acceleration and steering throughout the entire route all the way to their destination, seamlessly on both expressways and surface roads, based on driver inputs to the navigation system. By applying next-generation ADAS to hybrid models, Honda aims to enable more customers to experience the new value that is achieved by combining the “joy of driving” with a stress-free and comfortable mobility experience.
